South Africa: Government Aims to Connect 1.7 Million Households to High-Speed Internet

(Ecofin Agency) – The South African government is implementing various initiatives to boost the adoption of high-speed internet as part of its digital transformation goals. Official statistics reveal that 90% of South African households lack access to internet at home.

The South African government plans to connect 1.7 million households to high-speed internet, according to Mondli Gungubele, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies. The project will involve infrastructure development for partner Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer paid Internet services. During a session of the National Assembly, the minister stated that service providers are currently being designated for detailed network design. This will help households get access to broadband services through public Wi-Fi.

This project aligns with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s job creation program, initiated in 2020. The first phase of the program allocated 346 million rands ($18.2 million) for extending high-speed connectivity, particularly in low-income communities. The Treasury confirmed the availability of the allocated funds in May, and the disbursement process is underway.

The implementation of this project aligns with the second phase of “South Africa Connect (SA Connect),” the country’s national broadband policy launched in 2013. This phase aims to provide 80% of government institutions, communities, and homes with broadband access within three years. In the initial phase, which acted as a pilot, nearly 970 crucial public institutions were equipped with 10 Mbps internet connectivity.

“To ensure an inclusive digital economy, we will promote the development of digital skills and create an enabling environment for the creation of innovative digital solutions that can be commercialized to support livelihoods,” Mr. Gungubele, stated.

According to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), 77.5% of South African households had access to the internet “anywhere” in 2022. However, only 10% of households had internet access “at home,” mainly through mobile devices.

Isaac K. Kassouwi

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